What should you know about melanoma between toes?

Melanoma may appear as a dark, uneven, enlarging or changing patch or lump between the toes. It may itch, bleed, crust or remain symptom-free. The narrow spaces between toes are often missed during self-checks, and friction, moisture, an injury, a wart or a fungal infection can also alter the skin.

A mark in this area is not automatically melanoma. A clinician looks at its pattern, borders, colours and change over time, then may remove part or all of it for laboratory examination. The diagnosis comes from that assessment rather than from appearance alone.

Book a dermatology appointment for a new or changing mark, particularly if it is on one side of the space, has several shades, or does not settle after a minor injury heals. Photographing it beside a ruler can help show change, but do not use a photograph to postpone examination.

Keep the area clean and dry, avoid picking or applying strong acids, bleaching products or leftover steroid creams, and mention any previous melanoma. If the clinician recommends removal, ask how the wound will be cared for and whether testing of nearby lymph nodes is relevant to the result.

Seek prompt medical care if the area is rapidly enlarging, repeatedly bleeding, ulcerated, very painful, or accompanied by a new lump in the groin. Emergency care is appropriate for uncontrolled bleeding, spreading redness with fever, or sudden severe swelling.

Ask whether the mark needs a biopsy, what the examination shows, how the toe space should be protected after removal, and when results will be available. If melanoma is diagnosed, ask whether further surgery, staging tests or follow-up are recommended.